Dawgs Of The D-Line: Kansas Top-Ranked Defensive Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a morning of scouting spikers and blockers in a gym, I felt like watching film clips of defensive linemen controlling the point of impact on the gridiron.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Therefore, I opened up Prep Redzone Kansas' coverage counter and found five defensive linemen who have not been featured as much as some of their peers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at five dawgs of the defensive line all ranked in the Top 100 in the Kansas Class of 2025 rankings which were updated earlier in the week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570191' first='Lincoln' last='Stueve']</strong>, DE 6'3”, 210, Blue Valley (No. 15)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I will start with a defensive end ranked No. 15 in the Prep Redzone Class of 2025. Stueve is a fast edge-rusher who can put immense pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He also has played tight on offense, but it's on the defensive side of the ball where he might have the biggest upside. He has the ability to split double teams and the strength to bull-rush opposing blockers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='733507' first='Hyrum' last='Vaeono'], </strong>DT, 6'2”, 255, Free State (No. 64)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawrence Free State prospect [player_tooltip player_id='733507' first='Hyrum' last='Vaeono'] is a bull-dozing defensive tackle. He can stop the run game in the backfield, or take on blockers to free up his linebackers. He plays with solid pad level and beats offensive linemen with his strength. His motor is firing on all cylinders when he is on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570205' first='Jermarion' last='Lyles']</strong>, DL, 6'2”, 250, Washburn Rural (No. 68)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have seen Lyles work out on the camp circuit and he plays in my backyard in Topeka. The Junior Blue prospect is a bowling ball on wheels and Lord have mercy on the ball carriers that get in his way. He has an impressive first step and gets off the ball quickly. He can split the gap and gobble up running and quarterbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='570215' first='Carter' last='Burnett']</strong>, DE, 6'4”, 185, Wellington (No. 69)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If it has not been coined yet, I am nicknaming [player_tooltip player_id='570215' first='Carter' last='Burnett'] “Beef Wellington.” This young man is strong and fast. He utilizes his speed to make opposing offensive tackles just look silly. His Hudl package is a treat to watch. With two more years of high school ball to play, he has the opportunity to get even bigger and stronger. He can also play tight end and his six-foot-four frame creates match-up problems for defensive coordinators.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442621' first='Owen' last='Perkins']</strong>, DL, 6'2”, 220, Blue Valley North (No. 95)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most large high school players will list OL/DL together for recruiters and scouts. Forget that with Perkins he is all about the defense and bringing the wood. He lists himself as a DE or DT. He can play either position with his skills. It is just a matter of how big and strong he wants to get and how that would impact his speed. He can beat double-teams inside or pressure the quarterback from the edge. Look for a big senior season from this Blue Valley North prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->